Table tennis: Swinging the racket billions of times, achieving a grand slam

Chapter 314 Two strategies for fighting the Shanghai team!

On the first day of the Chinese Table Tennis Super League, the most anticipated match for the men's team was definitely not the S Province team led by Chen Jin and Lin Yun-ju against the Mingrun team led by Lin Gaoyuan.

Instead, it's Qilu Weiqiao battling against Shanghai's real estate market.

The reason is self-evident.

After the Paris Olympics, Fan Zhendong withdrew from international competitions one after another.

Wang Chuqin has become the leading figure in Chinese table tennis.

The problem is that the humiliation of finishing in the top 32 and the loss at the Asian Championships have cast doubt on the value of Wang Chuqin's world number one ranking.

This match marked the first encounter between the two in the new Olympic cycle.

This naturally attracted a great deal of attention.

By 3:30 p.m., the huge venue was already packed with people.

The fans were especially excited.

Even before the match started, the cheers and shouts were already deafening.

hotel room.

Chen Jin, Lin Yunru, Yan Sheng, and Sun Wen had already prepared snacks such as melon seeds and peanuts, and sat in front of the TV to watch the match between the two teams.

"Who do you think will win this match, Weiqiao or Shanghai?"

Yan Sheng slammed a bag of peanuts on the table. "One bag of peanuts, take it or leave it."

The words have not yet fallen.

Sun Wen, quick as a flash, snatched it away.

With a whoosh, he tore open the packaging bag, grabbed a handful of peanuts, and stuffed them into his mouth.

"What are you doing?"

Yan Sheng glared angrily at Sun Wen, "You old bastard, give me back my peanuts!"

"Pooh!"

Sun Wen spat into the bag and handed the peanuts to Yan Sheng, saying, "Here you go, take them back. Look at how stingy you are."

"..."

Yan Sheng was so angry that his face turned green.

"Okay, it's just a bag of peanuts, no big deal."

Chen Jin smiled and said, "Want some tangerines?"

As he spoke, he casually peeled a tangerine and handed it to Yan Sheng.

Yan Sheng then turned his anger into joy, reached out and took the food, and began to eat: "Chen Jin, what do you think?"

"In terms of overall strength, Weiqiao team is definitely stronger."

Chen Jin smiled slightly.

Qilu Weiqiao boasts several top masters, including Wang Chuqin, Liang Jingkun, Huang Youzheng, Zhou Qihao, and Yu Ziyang.

Even Lin Yun-ru was almost recruited by the Weiqiao team.

Two of the five main players in the Chinese national table tennis team occupy this position.

With this lineup, they are definitely a favorite to win the championship.

On the other hand, apart from Fan Zhendong, Xu Xin, Zhou Kai, Zhao Zihao, Xie Mingyang, and Zhang Jiahao are all veterans and young players.

Looking at their lineup alone, it seems like they'll have a tough time competing with Weiqiao.

"I feel so too."

Perhaps because he hadn't eaten enough for lunch, Lin Yunru felt a bit hungry. He ate some instant noodles, the sour and spicy taste of which brought tears to his eyes. "Unless the Shanghai team can win the doubles, no matter how strong Fan Zhendong is, he can't beat the Weiqiao team."

The first match was a doubles game.

The doubles pairing sent out by the Shanghai team was none other than Xu Xin and Zhou Kai.

This gave Yan Sheng a little thrill: "Holy crap, I can see my brother Xin playing doubles again on the court."

Although both are penhold grip players with different playing styles, Yan Sheng has a particular fondness for Xu Xin.

"Unfortunately, the one standing next to Brother Xin is neither Tibetan Mastiff nor Team Dragon."

Yan Sheng sighed with some regret.

The Weiqiao team's doubles pairing is a mix of veteran and new talent: Liang Jingkun and Huang Youzheng.

In terms of doubles experience, Liang Jingkun and Huang Youzheng are nowhere near as good as Xu Xin and Zhou Kai.

However, Xu Xin and Zhou Kai have not trained systematically for a long time since retiring from the national team.

Like the National Championships, this Chinese Table Tennis Super League was a last-minute cramming effort.

In addition, they are relatively old.

His physical fitness and gait are no longer at their peak.

Even so, Xu Xin's touch remained intact.

Liang Jingkun's forehand topspin ability may not be of much use.

However, Huang Youzheng found it difficult to resist.

Moreover, his experience on the field, which only gets better with age, allowed him to cooperate with Zhou Kai with ease.

For various reasons, this match turned out to be unexpectedly close.

Fortunately, Liang Jingkun withstood the pressure.

They ultimately won the first doubles match with a score of 3:2.

Weiqiao team took the first point.

"Ugh."

With the ball in the air, Xu Xin made a move of looking back at the moon, leaping forward to pounce on the forehand, but he was half a step too slow.

Yan Sheng couldn't help but sigh: "Brother Xin has finally gotten old."

"If he had used his footwork from his peak, he could definitely have pulled this ball back."

It seems like only a half-step difference, but it's a past that can never be returned to.

"Pity."

Lin Yun-ru took a sip of the slightly cold noodle soup. "If we lose the doubles, the following matches will be a bit difficult."

"The main event is about to begin."

Yan Sheng kept slapping his thigh, getting excited. "Fan Zhendong versus Wang Chuqin, who do you think will win?"

The questioning gaze turned to Chen Jin and Lin Yunru.

“Following the Paris Olympics, Fan Zhendong has not played a match for a long time and has also lacked high-intensity systematic training.”

Lin Yunru thought for a moment and said, "Wang Chuqin has always maintained his training and competition. In terms of form, Wang Chuqin has a higher chance of winning this match."

Chen Jin agreed with this analysis: "It all depends on whether Fan Zhendong can handle Wang Chuqin's serve."

soon.

Fan Zhendong and Wang Chuqin each took their rackets and stepped onto the court.

The scene was in a state of excitement.

"Sixth in the world, aiming for number one."

Yan Sheng, munching on sunflower seeds, watched the live broadcast of the match intently. "This match is going to be interesting."

The match was more intense than expected.

"Huh? Fan Zhendong actually caught out of Wang Chuqin's hook side spin serve?"

"Holy crap, Fan Zhendong's backhand flick is absolutely amazing."

"We were down 3-6 at the start and Wang Chuqin even got the game point. I didn't expect Fan Zhendong to turn the game around. It turns out that my game point was the real game point."

……

One game down.

The score is 3-1.

Fan Zhendong defeated Wang Chuqin, leveling the score for the Shanghai team.

This result was somewhat unexpected.

But upon closer examination, it makes perfect sense.

"Dong-ge is still amazing."

Yan Sheng exclaimed in amazement, "He hasn't played a match in so long, and he hasn't had any systematic training, yet he still managed to defeat Wang Chuqin, the world's number one. Tsk tsk tsk."

"Yes."

Looking at Fan Zhendong on the live stream, Chen Jin said in a low voice.

Flames seemed to flicker within his dark pupils.

According to Wang Liqin, Fan Zhendong is now only at 80% of his usual strength.

Yet he still managed to defeat Wang Chuqin, who was ranked number one in the world.

He... is really strong!
Chen Jin narrowed his eyes slightly.

Fan Zhendong, wiping sweat as he walked off the field, seemed to sense something, even through the screen.

He glanced back at the camera.

He happened to meet Chen Jin's gaze in front of the television.

Sudden.

Fan Zhendong smiled slightly.

"Dong Ge smiled."

Yan Sheng raised an eyebrow. "Is this a sign of contempt for Wang Chuqin?"

At this moment.

Sun Wen, holding his phone, laughed and said, "Some people online say that Wang Chuqin didn't lose this match; instead, he drew with Fan Zhendong."

"what?"

Yan Sheng spat out a sunflower seed shell. "A tie? Didn't Dong Ge win three to one? Where did this tie come from?"

"This person said that although Fan Zhendong won by a large margin, the total score of the four games was exactly 42:42."

Sun Wen laughed and said, "So it's a draw, Wang Chuqin didn't lose."

"Uh……"

Chen Jin and Lin Yunru exchanged a glance and both gave a wry smile.

"This is probably a fan of Wang Chuqin, right?" Yan Sheng shrugged slightly.

Followed by.

The game continues.

Liang Jingkun VS Xu Xin.

The two had faced off multiple times before when they were on the national team.

Without a doubt, Liang Jingkun has a higher chance of winning.

Now, Xu Xin's condition is far from what it used to be, and he is no match for Liang Jingkun.

1: 3.

Xu Xin was defeated by Liang Jingkun.

Subsequently, Fan Zhendong played again and defeated Huang Youzheng by a score of 3:0.

The score is tied again.

However, with Wang Chuqin defeating Zhou Kai, Weiqiao team defeated Shanghai team with a score of 3:2.

Fan Zhendong scored two points, but it was too late to turn the tide.

"Dong Ge is in really good shape."

Yan Sheng sighed again.

"how?"

Lin Yunru glanced at Chen Jin and smiled, "Judging from your expression, you seem quite interested in fighting Fan Zhendong?"

It must be said that Fan Zhendong's competitive state in today's two singles matches is quite good, although he has not reached his peak.

Since his debut, Chen Jin has defeated national team mainstays such as Ma Long and Wang Chuqin.

Of the five top players in the Chinese national table tennis team, only Fan Zhendong remains.

This is similar to collecting trucks.

Who wouldn't be tempted by an SSS-level limited edition card right in front of them?
Even if you can't afford it, you still have to feast your eyes on it.

"Whoo~"

Chen Jin let out a breath and slowly said, "It depends on the coach's arrangements."

If it were a one-on-one match, the outcome would only concern himself, and he wouldn't hesitate at all.

But this is a team competition.

When considering matters, the team must be the primary focus.

Therefore, Chen Jin had no choice but to suppress his restless thoughts.

Evening training is over.

About half past nine.

Everyone gathered in Chen Longcan's room to discuss the arrangements for tomorrow's match against the Shanghai team.

"I think the Shanghai team's lineup and formation are practically an open secret."

Chen Longcan picked up a pen and started doodling on a blank A4 sheet of paper. “The doubles pair is Xu Xin and Zhou Kai, and the singles pair is Fan Zhendong.”

"uncertain."

Chen Jin said, "Coach Chen, don't forget, Jiahao is also on the Shanghai team now, he's Xu Xin's substitute."

Of all the people present, Chen Jin knew Zhang Jiahao best.

Chen Jin knew very well that Zhang Jiahao was equivalent to Xu Xin whose strength had regressed by ten years, and his doubles ability was definitely no weaker than Xu Xin's.

If paired with Xie Mingyang in doubles, this combination is not much weaker than Xu Xin and Zhou Kai.

If the Shanghai team were to promote the doubles pair of Xie Mingyang and Zhang Jiahao, they might really catch their opponents off guard.

"Right."

Chen Longcan nodded and said, "However, the Shanghai team's first order is Fan Zhendong, it should be a done deal."

After all, Wang Liqin had already told Chen Jin this.

Given Wang Liqin's personality, he would naturally not deliberately deceive Chen Jin.

"No matter who the doubles pairing is for the Shanghai team, whether it's Xu Xin and Zhou Kai or Xie Mingyang and Zhang Jiahao, our safest approach is still to have Chen Jin and Lin Yun-ju as the doubles pair."

Chen Longcan continued.

Judging from the match between the Shanghai team and the Weiqiao team in the afternoon, the doubles pair of Xu Xin and Zhou Kai lost to Liang Jingkun and Huang Youzheng.

However, the strength they both displayed was still formidable.

In the S Province team, only Chen Jin and Lin Yunru could keep them in check.

If it were Yan Sheng instead, it would probably be quite difficult.

Moreover, in team competitions, the outcome of the first doubles match is particularly crucial.

"Yan Sheng."

Chen Longcan turned his head and said, "You should still place one order."

"what?"

Yan Sheng was completely dumbfounded. "Me, fight Fan Zhendong?"

"Isn't that a sure way to lose?"

With his skill level, he was simply no match for that Grand Slam champion.

"It's okay if we lose."

Chen Longcan smiled and patted Yan Sheng on the shoulder, "As long as we win the doubles, we will still have the initiative."

"The rest of the matches will be handled by Chen Jin and Lin Yunru, just like the match against Mingrun team."

Fan Zhendong completed one deal; the second deal will either be with Xu Xin or Zhou Kai.

Whoever it is, send Chen Jin to the stage.

This point is almost guaranteed.

As for the fourth game, unless Fan Zhendong makes another move, Lin Yun-ju also has a higher chance of winning.

"With this lineup, we'll most likely beat Shanghai 3-1 again tomorrow."

Chen Longcan seemed confident of victory.

Even if Fan Zhendong is strong, he is still just one person, and he can't carry the whole load alone.

From the team's perspective, this arrangement is undoubtedly the best choice.

There was a pause.

Chen Longcan looked at Chen Jin: "Of course, we have a second plan."

"The second option?"

Chen Jin was slightly taken aback. "I think the solution we just discussed was already the optimal one."

"Coach Chen, have you come up with an even better strategy for this match?"

Unexpectedly, Chen Longcan gently shook his head.

"The second option is a bit risky."

Chen Longcan said, "That means Yan Sheng and Lin Yunru, you two will team up for doubles."

"And Chen Jin, you're in charge of one order."

This would give Chen Jin the opportunity to face Fan Zhendong on the field.

The problem is, they might lose in doubles.

Even if Chen Jin wins against Fan Zhendong after losing points in doubles, Yan Sheng will have to play singles in the following matches.

If Yan Sheng loses, the situation will become extremely passive.

This approach presents immense pressure.

The final result of the match is very likely to be 3:2.

They even lost to the Shanghai team.

Although Chen Jin really wanted to take this opportunity to fight Fan Zhendong.

However, for the sake of the team, we decided to choose a more conservative approach.

"never mind."

Chen Jin shook his head. "Thank you, Coach Chen, but I think the first option is better."

"We are participating in the Chinese Table Tennis Super League this time with the championship in mind. Every match is important and we cannot afford to be careless."

The implication is that he would rather give up the opportunity to face Fan Zhendong on the field.

It wasn't out of fear of Fan Zhendong; it was purely for the sake of the team.

Before Chen Longcan could speak.

Lin Yunru suddenly spoke up, "I think the second option is also quite good."

"what?"

Chen Jin turned to look at Lin Yunru, his brows furrowed slightly.

Tailin, what do you mean by that?
"Chen Jin, you don't trust Yan Sheng and me to play doubles together, do you?"

Lin Yunru laughed and said, "We might not necessarily lose to the combination of Xu Xin and Zhou Kai."

Before heading to the Chinese Table Tennis Super League, Lin Yun-ju practiced doubles with Yan Sheng while training with the S Province team.

Although Yan Sheng is inferior to Chen Jin in every aspect, the outcome of a match is unpredictable until the ball hits the ground.

"and……"

Lin Yunru blinked, a half-smile on his face, "I'd really like to see if you can beat Fan Zhendong."

"I also want to see."

Yan Sheng laughed and said, "Chen Jin, you just go and play one singles match, I'll take care of the doubles."

"At worst, we can just withstand the pressure. With Brother Lin leading the way, we might actually win."

After all, the pressure of doubles is much less for him than the pressure of facing a Super Grand Slam.

"This……"

Chen Jin hesitated for a moment.

"Three to one".

Chen Longcan smiled and said, "Then it's settled. We'll choose the second option."

(End of this chapter)